In early April in Peiping, the spring was cold and the ice and snow were beginning to melt.
At the entrance of Prince Yan's Mansion, a group of people looked up eagerly. Butler Zhu Qin led his servants and soldiers, and Qianhu Zhu Neng left guard Zhang Yu, waiting at the door of the house. I came quickly to report the day before yesterday that King Yan is expected to arrive home today. This trip to the capital to visit the mausoleum lasted more than three months. Not only did Princess Yan miss her, but her subordinates also looked forward to King Yan's early return.
Everyone waited at the door from early morning until noon, and from noon until evening. A large straight corridor at the door was watched by everyone until the snow melted away, and King Yan's team was still missing.
Zhu Qin had bad legs and feet due to his age, so he had moved a small stool to sit down. Zhang Yu had always been calm and stood with his hands behind his hands with an expressionless face. Zhu Neng strode back and forth, tiptoeing from time to time to look into the distance.
It's getting late, why don't you come back today? Could it be that something happened on the road? Several people became worried.
Finally, there was the sound of horse hooves, and a group of people appeared on the road in the distance. Walking slowly, no one is galloping. Zhu Qin was confused, stood up, and looked from a distance.
Gradually, it was seen that there was a carriage in the team, and King Yan's green horse followed the carriage with its head downcast. Ma Sanbao rides a black horse and protects the car.
Zhu Qin's heart tightened, and he turned his head and ordered: "Please invite the princess quickly!" Zhu Neng and Zhang Yu had already rushed up.
Immediately, the door of the mansion opened wide and Xu Ying rushed out. Seeing that the carriage and horses had already arrived at the door, he walked straight to the car and opened the curtain.
Zhu Di was lying in the car, unconscious. Although his hair, beard, and clothes were neatly taken care of, his face was thin, his eyes were sunken, and his big hands hanging by his sides were also jagged.
Xu Ying was shocked and turned to ask Ma Sanbao, who was kneeling on the ground to say goodbye: "What's wrong with the prince?"
Ma Sanbao replied in a low voice: "The prince fell ill on the day he left the capital and could not ride a horse. He took a car all the way back." After a pause, he said: "The prince has already bid farewell to His Majesty, and I did not dare to stay in the capital. When I arrived in Chuzhou, I went to Mr. Han, the prefect of Chuzhou, and arranged for the local miracle doctor Dr. Jiang to see me.
Xu Ying frowned: "What did the doctor say?"
"It is said that it is cold outside and hot inside, and the cold and heat are competing with each other. First, I suffered from wind and cold, and second, my forehead was seriously injured. The most important thing is probably the accumulation of stagnation in the heart."
Ma Sanbao lowered his head: "I didn't dare to delay, so I hurried back as soon as possible. I took the decoction along the way, and the fever subsided, and I still sleep and wake up." He paused and said, "I rarely wake up."
Xu Ying was full of doubts: Zhu Di had a physique that often stayed outside the Great Wall. How could he get cold in Yingtian Mansion in the south of the Yangtze River? How could his forehead be injured? Who can cause Zhu Di to be injured, and on his forehead? Ma Sanbao lowered his head and remained silent, saying no more words.
Xu Ying looked at the large group of people around her, refrained from asking questions, and ordered: "Bring the prince in quickly!"
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Zhu Yunwen came out from Tianxi Temple, feeling depressed.
One day in February, Lotus suffered a heavy rain and suffered from wind and cold. He had a high fever and fell into a coma. He was ill for many days. I called Dr. Huang for a diagnosis and took the medicine for more than half a month, and finally got better. He just became thinner and thinner, with big and lonely eyes. Although he forced a smile every time he saw him, he was obviously shrinking and weak. She has been freezing badly this winter, but spring finally came, and I hope she gets better soon.
But there is still winter this year and winter next year. How long can she last
Zhu Yunwen was deeply worried.
The dragon chariot passed through Changganli, passed the Zhonghua Gate, and passed by the Qinhuai River. This area is home to the best restaurants in the capital. In the evening, each house lights up its gauze lanterns, and its gold-lettered signboards shine under the lights: Wanqing Tower, Jinling Spring, Deyue Platform, Qifang Pavilion, Yonghe Garden... The fragrance of wine, coriander and vegetables is lingering and enchanting. Many customers had already arrived in twos and threes, and the waiter at the door greeted him warmly. It is a peaceful scene with "lights on every house, music and music everywhere".
Zhu Yunwen looked through the window and couldn't help but smile.
Suddenly, there was a burst of noise by the Wende Bridge in front. A group of people gathered and blocked the road. The outer circle was filled with people one after another. They were probably watching the excitement. There were shouts and noises inside. Zhu Yunwen heard something vaguely familiar and couldn't help but frown slightly.
Long Nian saw that it was difficult to pass, so he had to stop. Zhang Yuanheng ran over and soon brought several people back to the chariot. The crowd watching the excitement turned towards the dragon chariot, and Zhang Yuanheng hurriedly led his guards to disperse the crowd.
A group of people knelt down to worship. When Zhu Yunwen looked at it, it was Zhao Fu, the Yin of Yingtian Mansion, and the four behind him were probably Fu Cheng and Baotou. After the five people saluted, they stood in front of the chariot, their faces filled with anger, helplessness and a bit of contempt.
Two palace guards were holding one person up, still shouting: "I am King Qi! Who dares to touch me?" Zhu Yunwen frowned and looked at Zhao Fu.
After calling King Qi back to the capital for more than half a month, Shandong became quiet, but complaints continued to come to the capital. Zhao Fu has given memorials more than ten times, about once a day.
It turns out that King Zhu Shu of Qi is a good drinker. I don’t know whether it is a natural character or a result of training on the battlefield. He is neither drunk nor happy every day. When I was in Qingzhou, I just drank it down in the palace; when I was suppressing Japanese pirates in Shandong, I killed a lot of Japanese pirates, and I was also accused countless times of being drunk and disturbing the people. After arriving in the capital, I had nothing to do. I probably felt trapped in the mud and couldn't fly. I felt depressed and sighed to myself, and even drank to the limit every day. When drunk, he would cause trouble everywhere, smash up restaurants, fight with people for no reason, even intercept good women, tease the elderly and children, and the list goes on.
The policemen didn't dare to care about him. He was a majestic king of Qi and had some strength in fighting. Even when he was drunk and crazy, he didn't care. The police officers were not afraid that they would not be able to beat him, but that they were afraid that if they could not control their strength well enough to hit him and injure the prince, that would be the death penalty for genocide.
Zhao Fu had no choice but to go out in person every time, coaxing and deceiving him, and sending him home in good faith. For more than half a month, the dignified Fourth Grade Yin of Yingtian Mansion has been entangled with drunkards every day.
Zhao Fu reported respectfully: "Your Majesty! King Qi brought two guards to drink at Wanqinglou. They thought the wine was not good, so they smashed the restaurant and tore down the doors. Weichen came to break up the fight, and Wanqinglou accompanied him. No, that's why I persuaded King Qi not to smash him. King Qi refused to give up and asked Wanqing Tower to reorganize the banquet and asked for some 'Zhenlu wine'. Wanqing Tower actually didn't have it, so King Qi was still arguing and making noise."
Zhu Yunwen looked away and looked at the two King Qi guards.
The two guards were trying to keep their composure. The prince is the emperor's uncle, so what will happen if the emperor comes? At this time, Zhu Yunwen was so shocked by the Emperor's majesty that he could not help but tremble with his legs, and said in a trembling voice: "Your Majesty, forgive me, it's the prince. The prince drank too much."
King Qi looked at Zhu Yunwen and chuckled: "I am the prince, what can you do? You don't even have to drink!" He was so drunk that he couldn't recognize the emperor.
Zhao Fu reported again respectfully: "Your Majesty, King Qi does this every day. On the 16th day of Yingtian Mansion, 19 restaurants were destroyed and 27 people were injured. They were all common people, and two of them were seventy years old. The old man is a six-year-old child."
Zhu Yunwen frowned again when he heard this and ordered: "Tie them all up! Take them to the clan mansion!"
Zhao Fu and several government officials were overjoyed: "Honor the decree!"
The next day, Emperor Jianwen issued an order to demote King Qi to a commoner. Immediately, the people in the city rushed to tell each other, and they were all very happy. In particular, the major restaurants along the Qinhuai River actually arranged to set off firecrackers together and offer guests a 50% discount on dishes throughout the day to celebrate.
In just half a month, King Qi was able to make everyone in Yingtian Mansion fearful. He was truly the son of Taizu.
Huang Zicheng drafted the imperial edict and asked the emperor to read it. Zhu Yunwen glanced at it and nodded slightly. He seemed to be talking to himself but also asking: "If I do this, my grandfather won't be displeased, right?"
Huang Zicheng said loudly and resolutely: "Taizu hated corrupt officials the most in his life. Your Majesty will eliminate harm for the people. Taizu will definitely approve of it."
Fang Xiaoru also said: "Your Majesty's move is also a good thing for King Qi. If he is allowed to continue his nonsense, it will lead to disaster. If King Qi can reflect on himself, your Majesty will restore him to the throne."
Zhu Yunwen perked up after hearing this: "Yes, I hope Uncle Qi can change his ways." Then he asked Fang Xiaoru: "How is the reform of the official system going?"
Fang Xiaoru couldn't hide his excitement: "I have imitated the "Rites of Zhou" in a rough way. I beg your majesty to read it." He said and presented the memorial. Fang Xiaoru was obsessed with restoring ancient times and had been persuading Zhu Yunwen to reform control and respect civility over military affairs. Specific examples include the promotion of six ministers to the first rank, the Imperial Examination Office to the Yushifu, etc. It has no practical significance. It can be said to be a trivial work of nerds, but Zhu Yunwen does not object to it. These were later accused by Zhu Di of tampering with Taizu's legacy.
Zhu Yunwen took it and glanced at it, but before taking a closer look, he said: "Fang Qing, just take a look at the arrangements.
Huang Zicheng continued: "The Ministry of Rites came to report that the king of North Korea, Li Dan and Li Chenggui, said that he was old and sick, and passed the throne to Li Shuo and Li Fangguo. Are you allowed to invite me?"
Zhu Yunwen was startled and asked, "Who did North Korea send?"
"It's still that close confidant, Fatty Zhao."
Zhu Yunwen muttered slightly: "Xuan Chenqing brought him to see me." Zheng Zheng was getting older, and the Minister of Rites had been replaced by Chen Di. Huang Zicheng was a little surprised when he heard this order. He didn't dare to say anything more and quickly asked someone to make arrangements.
At this time, Qi Tai stretched his head outside the palace. Zhu Yunwen caught a glimpse and said, "Qi Qing, come in."
Qitai strode into the hall, looking in a hurry.
Huang Zicheng was curious: "Master Qi, is there something urgent?"
Qi Tai said: "Your Majesty! I have received news that the Mongols will take action in the Kaiping area of northern Xinjiang!"
Zhu Yunwen was shocked: "Seriously?"
Qi Tai said: "There is absolutely no suspicion. The reporter is a dead soldier."
Zhu Yunwen couldn't help but frown: "Why is there no news from King Yan?"
Qi Tai was somewhat complacent: "This matter is a decision made by the senior management of Can Yuan. It is normal for outsiders not to know about it for a while." He took a step forward and said: "Your Majesty! Without further delay, the top priority is to mobilize troops to guard the border!".
Zhu Yunwen hesitated: "The border defense in Northern Xinjiang has always been mobilized by King Yan. Isn't it inappropriate to act rashly like this?"
Qi Tai was a little anxious: "Your Majesty! Let's discuss with King Yan now. I'm afraid that time will be wasted and the Mongols will have the upper hand!"
Zhu Yunwen was nervous by what he said: "Where is Qi Qing's opinion?"
Qi Tai was confident: "Song Zhong, the commander-in-chief of the left army, is good at fighting. Song Zhong can be sent to lead 30,000 troops to garrison Kaiping; the commander-in-chief Geng Ying of the right army can guard Shanhaiguan; Linqing, Zhangde and Shunde can also strengthen their defense appropriately."
Speaking of this, Zhu Yunwen really didn't understand. Although Zhu Yuanzhang probably taught the northern army how to form formations, because of the presence of such fierce men as King Yan, King Ning, and King Liao, Zhu Yuanzhang did not feel that his grandson needed to know this. What's more, if you don't go to the scene and fight dozens or hundreds of battles, you won't really understand. Zhu Yuanzhang was worried that his grandson would do bad things if he commanded randomly, so it would be more appropriate to simply leave it to his sons.
Zhu Yunwen pondered for a long time and said: "For the sake of safety, Qi Qing has made these arrangements in advance." He turned sideways and told Huang Zicheng: "I order the King of Yan to inform his court of these arrangements and let the King of Yan keep an eye on Kaiping."
Qi Tai added: "It's best to transfer the guards from Prince Yan's palace. I'm worried that these southern soldiers from the imperial court will not be able to deal with the Mongols." Zhu Yunwen thought it made sense and asked Huang Zicheng to draft it together.
Huang Zicheng agreed, and Qi Tai praised: "Your Majesty's arrangement is indeed a sound strategy."
Zhu Yunwen frowned and said, "There has been no news about King Yan since he left the capital. I wonder what's going on?"
Qi Tai said: "The Prince of Yan's palace did not respond to the last report I made about King Xiangxian."
Qi Tai personally went to Jingzhou and found out that King Xiangxian did have "rebellious intentions." In fact, since the Xiangxian Prince's Mansion had been burned down, it was difficult to check, so Qi Tai put together a report that was understandable. Zhu Yunwen felt that it was somewhat reasonable, and thought that he owed King Yan an explanation, so he gave it to King Yan's palace.
Huang Zicheng suggested: "Let Xie Gui Zhang Bing go and have a look?" Zhu Yun nodded and was about to speak when Chen Di, the Minister of Gifts, came outside with Fatty Zhao. Zhu Yunwen quickly gave way to Xuan, and Qi Taifang Xiaoru retreated first.
Fatty Zhao is still as round and short as before, with a smile on his face: "Long live my emperor, long live, long live!"
Zhu Yunwen listened to his curled-up tongue and stiff accent, and couldn't help but think of his ecstasy when he first learned about Yining on the royal road more than a year ago... After a long while, he said softly: "Without courtesy. Zhao Qing, is the King of Korea feeling ill?"
Fatty Zhao replied respectfully: "The king has a severe throat disease and can no longer speak. Other things are not very good." But I dare not talk about the coup.
Zhu Yunwen asked: "There are quite a few brilliant imperial doctors in our imperial hospital. Does the King of Joseon need imperial doctors from the Ming Dynasty to examine him?"
Seeing that the emperor was so concerned, Fatty Zhao replied even more respectfully: "Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty! The king has visited many famous doctors in Korea, and they all feel that he is tired from many years of fighting and rest is the best thing."
Zhu Yunwen nodded and remained silent for a long time. Her father is ill. It seems that he is not very ill. Should he tell her? Seeing that the emperor was stunned, Huang Zicheng did not dare to rush him and waited quietly.
Zhu Yunwen came back to his senses and said to Huang Zicheng and Chen Di: "Taizu still cared about North Korea before his death, and ordered 'good neighborliness'. When dealing with North Korea, this dynasty only regards harmony as the top priority."
Seeing the two men nodding, Zhu Yunwen continued: "Edict to North Korea: Allow the request. Follow the customs, follow the old rules, listen to your own instructions, and follow your own instructions for future affairs." It actually gave North Korea immense autonomy.
Fatty Zhao was overjoyed: "Thank you, Your Majesty for your kindness!"
Zhu Yunwen waved his hand: "Young Master Zhao Qing, take a break and go see your princess."
Fatty Zhao already knew what happened to Lotus at Tianxi Temple, and he couldn't help but look sad: "I'm about to invite your Majesty. The princess asked the minister to bring a message, so that the princess doesn't have to worry about it."
Zhu Yunwen didn't want to say more, so he turned around and ordered Zhang Yuanheng to take Fatty Zhao to the Shenggan Tower to meet Lianhua.
As soon as a few people lifted the door curtain, the warm April wind blew into the hall. Zhu Yunwen suddenly couldn't help but feel sad: How great would it be if it could be as warm as spring forever? How many more winters can she survive